Contributed article by Ashland Kiwanis Club

Well, we heard Santa was coming so let’s have a parade to welcome him back. We at the Ashland Kiwanis Club have worked diligently to do just that. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, the parade is a rain or shine event, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

This year’s parade will have 122 units with nearly 1900 individuals taking part, walking, riding, marching, and dancing. The parade is sponsored by the Town of Ashland with the Ashland Kiwanis Club doing the organizing and direction for the parade as we have done for 29 years now. The starting location is at the intersection of Thompson Street and Snead Streets. The step off time is 2:00 pm. Units travel east on Thompson and England Streets, turning North at Henry Street, through the Randolph-Macon Campus and ends at Berkley Street.

*Ashland Kiwanis Club* *Olde Time Holiday Parade in historic Downtown Ashland*

Representatives of the Town of Ashland Police and Hanover County Sheriff’s office will lead the parade following the Color Guard. This year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Dr. Michael Hill, the incoming President of Randolph Macon College. Please come out and welcome him to town.

And, as usual, the last unit is Santa Claus. Between these two very important people there will be the Patrick Henry High School marching band, Navy Junior ROTC units from Patrick Henry and Mechanicsville High Schools, antique vehicles, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Fire and Rescue Units, as well as several of ACCA Temple’s Units to put a spark in the entertainment. The 2025 Hanover Christmas Mother, Ricki Hall Smith, will also be riding in the parade. And no parade is complete without a few horses and this year will be no exception.

New this year and since there is no charge for parade entries as we give entertainment to the community, we have joined with the Hanover Youth Service Council to collect shelf-stable food items to give to our Hanover Food Pantries at the same time. So, in lieu of an entry fee, we are asking participants to bring an item to be shared among affiliated Hanover Food Pantries.

Now, if you are not in the parade this year but would like an invitation next year, just let us know at ashlandkiwanis@gmail.com. Invitations go out via email in early September. If you would like to know more about our Club and our projects, you may drop us an email at the same address or go to our web site which is www.ashlandvakiwanis.org and check us out.

Mark Sunday November 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm on your calendar to attend the parade that begins the Holiday Season in Ashland, Hanover County and Metropolitan Richmond. Bundle up and come out for the parade and a ringside seat along the route. See you there.